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Colombia is a land of cultural amalgamation with American, African, and European ancestry. It’s the fifth-largest country in Latin America and has the world’s second-largest population of Spanish-speaking people in South America. Colombia is also a spiritual haven, with Roman Catholics constituting more than 86% of the population. If you are looking for beautiful and meaningful Colombian boy names, this post where we have curated a list of Colombian boy names highlighting the country’s diversity, is your guide. Colombian names have evolved significantly, with contemporary parents often opting for unique spellings and combinations that reflect personal and cultural significance. Trends show an increasing preference for names that honor family heritage while embracing modernity. In this list of Colombian names, most names have European derivations or include the common American names (1) (2).
Key Pointers
- Colombian boy names showcase the country’s rich cultural blend of American, African, and European ancestry, featuring diverse origins such as Hebrew (Aaron, Adam), Spanish (Alejandro, Daza), and Italian (Dante, Orlando).
- Many Colombian names have religious significance, with common examples including Gabriel (God is my strength) and Emmanuel (God is with us).
- Some names emphasize the qualities of a warrior, such as Finley (fair warrior) and Desmond (gracious defender).
- Colombian names typically carry positive meanings, like Pablo, meaning ‘humble,’ and Gilberto, meaning ‘bright promise.’
Most Popular Colombian Boy Names
These Colombian boy names are stylish, classy, and adorable. They are an easy guide to help you pick the best name for your little guy.
1. Aaron
This Hebrew origin name is conventional but never out of trend. It means “strong” and “exalted.” Aaron is also popular in the US and has been among the top 100 names since 1968 (3).
2. Adam
The Biblical name Adam is of Hebrew origin. It means “son of the red earth.” The American actor Adam Sandler and the singer Adam Levine are celebrities with whom your child would be sharing the name. In the US, Adam is one of the leading names for baby boys since the beginning of the 20th century (3).
3. Adrien
The name Adrien is patronymic, and it means “son of Adria.” It may also be spelled as Adrian.
4. Alejandro
If you’re a fan of regular names with a twist, this Spanish and Greek origin is for you. Alejandro is the vintage take on Alexander. It means “man’s defender.” Lady Gaga’s song by the same name made Alejandro an international sensation. Though Alejandro is predominantly a Spanish name, it has also found great fame in the US (3).
5. Alroy
If you think Alroy is an old-fashioned name, worry not. Its Gaelic and Spanish origins make it exotic enough, and it means “king.”
6. Andres
You would have guessed the meaning of this Greek origin name already, as it is quite common. It means “manly” and is the traditional version of Andrew.
7. Angelo
You must have guessed it already. The baby boy’s name Angelo is of Greek and Latin origins and means “angel” or “messenger.”
8. Arturo
The name may remind you of Arthur since it is the Spanish version of it. Arturo is an Italian name of origin that means ‘bear.’ In the Spanish TV series Money Heist, Arturo Roman was the name of a key character. Arturo is among the most well-known names in the US (3).
9. Arvin
The Spanish and Old German name is gaining popularity again after its fall since the ’50s. It is a compassionate name as it means “people’s friend.”
10. Austin
The name Austin is derived from the Latin Augustus. It is a pretty name for your boy and means “great.” In the US, Austin has been ruling the charts since 1900 (3). The movie franchise Austin Powers brought great popularity to this name.
11. Baltasar
Baltasar is of Greek origin and means “Baal protects the king.”
12. Benedicto
You must have heard of this name’s English version, Benedict. In the Spanish version, it is Benedicto and means “blessed.”
13. Benjamin
The popular name reminds one of Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin is of Hebrew origin and means “son of the right hand.” This name has been among the top 50 names in the US since 1974 (3). You can call your little Benjamin using nicknames like Benjy and Benny.
14. Benson
Benson is a patronymic name as it means “son of Ben.” The name is of Old English origin. Since 2010, Benson has found new life in the US and is among the top 1000 names for baby boys (3).
15. Bernardino
It is another adorable, aesthetic name for your baby. It means “brave” and is of Old German and Old French origins.
16. Bradley
The actor Bradley Cooper is a celebrity your child would be sharing the name with. Bradley means “broad meadow” and has Old English origins. Bradley is among the most popular names in the US (3).
17. Brian
We have to say Brain is the most native European name on our list. It is a name of Celtic, Irish, Gaelic, and English origins and means “noble.” It could also mean ‘hill,’ ‘high,’ power,’ or ‘might.’ Since 1925, Brian has been among the top choices for baby boys in the US (3). This name is also spelled as Bryan.
18. Bruce
The name is quite popular among action-film fans due to the legendary martial artist and actor Bruce Lee. Bruce Willis is another well-known action hero with this name. The name has Scottish, French, and English origins and means ‘from the brushwood thicket.’ Since 1900, Bruce has made its mark in the US (3).
19. Bryson
The patronymic name of Welsh origin means “son of Bryce.” Since 1979, this name has climbed the US naming charts steadily (3).
20. Canda
Canda is a classic pick amongst Latin names and means “clarity.”
21. Carlos
Carlos is an adorable democratic name of German origin. It means “free man.” Carlos Valderrama is a Colombian football player with this name. Also known as El Pibe, he is considered to be one of South America’s greatest players in history.
22. Cisco
It is effortlessly the cutest name for your baby boy. Cisco is a diminutive of Francisco. It has mixed origins of Portuguese, Spanish, and French, meaning “freeman.”
23. Chico
It is of Portuguese origin and means “young” or “little.” Also a diminutive of Francisco, this name is pronounced as SHEE-ko.
24. Christian
The vintage name never gets out of style. It means “follower of Christ.” Christian has been among the leading names in the US since 1900 (3). Actor Christian Bale is a famous person with this name.
25. Colombo
Colombo is a name of Italian origin. It means “dove,” which is a reference to “love.” Colombo is also the root word from which the name Colombia was derived.
26. Colby
Perfect name for babies with brown and black hair, as this Biblical name of Old English origin means “dark-haired.” This name has made its place in the hearts of US parents since 1968 (3).
27. Cory
Cory is a unisexual name of Greek and Gaelic origins, meaning “in a hollow.”
28. Cyrus
The unisex name has gained popularity as the family name of singers Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus. It means ‘sun’ and is of Persian origin. Several ancient Persian kings were named Cyrus, notably Cyrus the Great, who was the first king of the Achaemenid Empire in the 5th century BC (5). Cyrus is also one of the most popular names in the US and has been since 1900 (3).
29. Dante
It is a name popular among Disney fans, thanks to the name of the dog in the 2017 Disney film Coco. It has been a popular name since 1910 and has Italian origins and means “enduring.” This name is associated with the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, the author of The Divine Comedy (6).
30. Dario
If you need a name reflecting wellness, then this Italian and Croatian name is for you. It means “possessing goodness.”
31. David
The all-time popular name is of Hebrew origin and means “beloved.” With many celebrities such as David Bowie, David Beckham, and David Schwimmer bearing this classic name, it is the most common name in the US. David has rarely slipped beneath the 30th rank since 1900 (3).
32. Daza
It is a topographic name of Spanish origin, meaning “sorghum.”
33. Desmond
It is a royal Anglo-Saxon name that means “gracious defender.” Desmond could also have Irish origins and could mean ‘south Munster.’
34. Diego
The variant of Santiago means “supplanter” and has Hebrew origins. Diego has been among the top names in the US since the mid-20th century (3). Argentine football player Diego Maradona was one of the most notable people with this name.
35. Dominic
The name is common among Roman Catholics. It is of Roman and Latin origin and means “belonging to the Lord.” Dominic is traditionally given to a baby who is born on Sunday. In the US also, Dominic is one of the most popular names (3).
36. Donatello
It is of Spanish origin and means “gift from God.” The 15th-century Italian sculptor Donatello was one of the most well-known people with this name. Donatello came into prominence when it appeared as the name of one of the turtles in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
37. Easton
The name has been surging in the popularity charts. It is a habitational name of Old English origin referring to “one from the east.” Since 1995, this name has been popular in the US, too (3).
38. Eberardo
It is another unusual Old English origin name on our list, meaning “brave as a boar.”
39. Elonzo
Finding its roots in German, the name Elonzo is a powerful name for your little guy. It means “ready for battle.”
40. Emiliano
This sweet yet stylish boy’s name is derived from the Roman family name Aemilius. It means “eager” or “rival.”
41. Emmanuel
Emmanuel or Immanuel is a Biblical name of Hebrew origin. It means “God is with us.” This name has been among the top 200 in the US since 2000 (3).
42. Enrique
Probably a name describing your household’s future master, Enrique is of Portuguese origin and means “home-ruler.” Also, your baby would be sharing this game with famous singer Enrique Iglesias. Enrique has also made a mark in the US (3).
43. Ezra
The name Ezra has been trending since the ’60s. It is of Hebrew origin and means “helper.” American poet Ezra Pound was a popular figure with this name (7). Since 1900, Ezra has been among the top 1000 names in the US, but in 2015, it entered the top 100 list (3).
44. Fabian
The name Fabian is of Roman origin. It was a name given to the descendants of the female line. Fabian has seen considerable popularity in the US since 1959 (3). It also appeared briefly in the Harry Potter books.
45. Felix
The magical name Felix is of Latin origin. It means “fortunate.” Not only has Felix been consistently popular in the US, but it is also the name of several saints and four popes (3).
46. Fernando
Here’s another great name for your baby boy. Fernando is of Greek and Spanish origin, and it means “boldness” and “peace.” Your baby would be sharing the name with the painter Fernando Gallego. The popularity of this name has almost always been on the rise in the US since 1908 (3).
47. Finley
Of Old Irish and Old Norse origin, the name Finley means “fair warrior.” It is also spelled as Finlay, Finnley, and Findley.
48. Francesco
The Spanish version of Frances means “free man.” This name also has a Latin origin.
49. Gabriel
Gabriel is a name synonymous with style. It is of Hebrew origin and means “God is my strength.”
50. Gabrio
The name Gabrio is of Spanish origin and means “God is my strength.”
51. Gage
The short and sweet name Gage is an occupational name of Old English and Old French origins. It means “surety” and was a term used in the banking and monetary businesses.
52. Gideon
Gideon is a common Jewish name, meaning “one who cuts down.” Since 2000, Gideon has been on the US charts (3).
53. Gilberto
Gilberto is a different take on Gilbert and is ideal for those parents who want something unusual. With Old French origins, it means “bright promise.”
54. Gregory
Gregory can be a great name for your little one as it tests the times. Derived from the Greek name Gregorius, it means “vigilant.” Gregory is one of the most-used names for baby boys in the US (3).
55. Hamish
The beautiful name is of Scottish origin and means “may God protect.”
56. Herculano
Meaning “glory of Hera,” Herculano is a Greek origin name. Hera is also referred to as the planet Venus.
57. Holden
Holden is an occupational name of Old English origin. The name was meant to refer to someone living near the “hollow in the valley.” The name Holden Caulfield was the protagonist’s name in the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
58. Hugo
Its English version is Hugh. Although Hugo is not as popular as Hugh, it still tops our list of adorable names. The name means “mind” and is of German, Portuguese, and Spanish origins. In the US, Hugo stands high among the most popular names for baby boys (3).
59. Ian
Of Scottish and Hebrew origins, this traditional name means ‘God is gracious.’ Ian has been among the top 100 names in the US since 1982 (3).
Trivia60. Isaac
The name of the firstborn son of Abraham, Isaac, means “one who rejoices.” It is a name for those parents who never want it to go out of trend. In the US, Isaac has been ruling the charts since 1900 (3).
61. Isiah
Isiah is a great choice for those parents who wish their baby’s name to be eternal. It means “God is salvation” and is of Hebrew origin.
62. Ivan
Ivan is a name that might have started low on the popularity charts but is always trending now. It means “God is gracious” and has Hebrew origins. Ivan has been among the most popular names in the US (3).
63. Jacobo
It is an attractive, Spanish name of the English Jacob. It has Hebrew origins and means “he who supplants.”
64. Jalen
This modern version of the name Galen would be an unusual pick for parents. It means “healer” and is of Greek origin.
65. Jeronimo
Jeronimo of Spanish, Greek, and Italian origins tumbled down the popularity charts during the 1960s. But it is back on trend again and is an ideal comeback name for your little guy. Geronimo and Jerome are its other variants.
66. Joshua
The name Joshua is derived from the Hebrew Yehoshua. He led the Hebrews to the promised land. Thus, Joshua means “God is deliverance.”
67. Jovan
Jovan is an adorable Slavic origin name, meaning “God is gracious.”
68. Julio
Julio is a Greek-origin name and has a stylish touch to it. It means “Jove’s child.”
69. Kale
The short and delicate name has Gaelic origins and means “affectionate.”
70. Karl
Karl is a timeless name with origins in Dutch, Scandinavian, German, and Slavic. Your child would be sharing the name with the German economist and philosopher Karl Marx.
71. Kian
Of Gaelic, Irish, and Hebrew origin, Kian means “God is gracious.” Since 2000, this name has been among the top 1000 names in the US (3).
72. Kieman
It is an unusual name that makes your child stand out. The name is of Irish origin and means “son of Lord.”
73. Kolby
It is a name ideal for boys with black and brown hair as it means “dark-haired.” The name is of Old Norse origin.
74. Kyle
Kyle is an adorable and stylish name with origins in Scottish, Gaelic, and Irish. It means “a narrow piece of land.”
75. Lance
Lance is an appealing Old English name, and it means “God-like.”
76. Lando
Lando is a classic name of Spanish origin, meaning “famous land.”
77. Leonardo
The name Leonardo never goes out of trend. The Spanish, Italian, German, and Portuguese name means “brave.” The artist Leonardo Da Vinci, actor Leonardo Di Caprio, and the soccer player Leonardo Bonucci are a few people your child would be sharing the name with. Since 2016, Leonardo has been among the top 100 names for boys in the US (3).
78. Lochlan
The name Lochlan is a Scottish origin habitational name meaning “from the land of lakes.”
79. Lorenzo
The stylish name is derived from the Latin Laurentius, which means “one from Laurentum.” It is equivalent to the English name Lawrence. Lorenzo is one of the most well-used names in the US (3).
80. Macario
It is a unique name of Greek origin. It means “blessed” and would perfectly summarize the birth of your little angel.
81. Marcos
The moniker Marcos is a name with reference to the God of Mars as it means “dedicated to Mars.”
82. Martin
Derived from the Latin name Martinus, Martin is inspired by the Roman God of war and agricultural guardian, Mars. Your baby boy could also draw inspiration from another motivational figure sharing his name, Martin Luther King Jr. Since 1900, Martin has been among the top 500 names in the US (3). In recent years, American filmmaker Martin Scorsese is a popular person with this name.
83. Mateo
Mateo is a gorgeous Spanish origin name meaning “gift of God.” It is the Spanish version of Mathew. Since 2015, this name has been among the top 100 names in the US (3).
84. Matias
It is quite a chic name for your baby boy. It is of Hebrew, Greek, and German origins, meaning “gift of God.”
85. Maximo
You must have guessed the meaning of this name for its root word max. The upbeat and fresh name, Maximo, is of Spanish origin, and it means “the greatest.” This name has been among the top 1000 names in the US since 2002 (3).
86. Myles
The patriotic Latin origin name means “gracious soldier.” Since 1900, this name has been among the top 1000 names in the US (3).
87. Nacio
Nacio is derived from the Latin word “egnatus” and it has Etruscan origins. It is a powerful name as it means “fiery one.”
88. Nathaniel
The name Nathaniel is the unglorified version of Nathan. It has origins in Hebrew and means “given by God.” Nathaniel has been among the top names in the US since 1900 (3).
89. Nicolas
The variations of this Greek origin name never cease to be off the charts. It is also a motivating and philanthropic name as it means “victory of the people.” This name is among the top names for baby boys in the US (3). Actor Nicolas Cage is a well-known personality with this name.
90. Norman
The name Norman is the conjoined version of two words, “north” and “man.” It is a topographical name and is ideal for someone from the northern countries.
91. Oliver
It is a classic name that never fails to impress. This Old French and Old English origin name means “warrior.” Since 2018, Oliver has been among the top 10 names in the US (3).
92. Orion
It is a celestial name for your baby boy. The name Orion is of Greek origin and it means “rising in the sky.” Isn’t this an enchanting name for your baby?
93. Orlando
The name reminds one of the English actor Orlando Bloom. It is of Italian origin and means “glorious land.” This name is among the top 1000 names in the US (3).
94. Oscar
The stylish name Oscar means “friend of deer,” and is of Scandinavian and English origin. Oscar has been among the top 250 names in the US since 1900 (3).
95. Pablo
The sweet name is the Spanish version of Paul. It means “humble” and is derived from the Latin word Paulus. Your child will also have the honor of sharing their name with Pablo Picasso, the great painter. Pablo is among the top 1000 names in the US (3).
96. Paul
It is a popular masculine name meaning “small.” It has English, German, French, and Dutch origins. If you’re a fan of action film franchises such as Fast & Furious or Marvel, then this could be the name for your boy, thanks to Paul Walker, Paul Rudd, and Paul Bettany. In the US, Paul has maintained its position among the top 300 most-popular names for baby boys (3).
97. Reece
The name Reece is a sweet name of Welsh origin, meaning “enthusiasm.”
98. Philip
Philip is a name that needs no introduction. It is of Greek origin and refers to “one who is fond of horses.” It is a great name for your baby if you’re an animal lover. Both Philip and its variant Phillip have seen much popularity in the US (3).
99. Quito
One of the most simple and cute boy names, Quito, means “fifth.” It is perfect for babies born in May or the fifth of any month.
100. Quinlan
Of Gaelic and Celtic origin, Quinlan is a unique name that means “perfection of form.”
101. Rafael
Rafael means “God has healed.” According to the Old Testament, Rafael was one of the archangels and was an expert healer. It is also one of the currently popular names across the world. It stands at a high position in the US (3).
Trivia102. Ramiro
Ramiro is a unique name of Portuguese, Old German, and Spanish origins. The name means “renowned counselor.”
103. Rico
Rico is the alternative version of the name Enrique and means “home-ruler.”
104. Rocco
Rocco is a beautiful name for your baby boy. It is a peaceful name meaning “rest.”
105. Ruben
It has Spanish and Hebrew origins. Ruben was a popular name during the 19th century, and it means “a son” and has Hebrew and Spanish origins.
106. Salvatore
The classy name Salvatore or Salvadore means “savior” and is of Italian origin.
107. Samuel
Meaning “God has heard,” Samuel is a Biblical name of Hebrew origin. If you seek a timeless name for your baby boy, this could be the one for your little one. Samuel has never slipped below the 100th place in the US since 1900 (3). Popular people with this name include Samuel Morse, Samuel Pepys, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Samuel Beckett, Samuel L. Jackson, and Samuel Clemens (better known as Mark Twain).
108. Santiago
The moniker Santiago is of Latin origin and is derived from the Hebrew name SantIago. Its root word Santo means “saint,” and Iago is the Old-Spanish version of “James.” As Saint James is the patron saint of Spain, this name carries high importance in Spanish-speaking countries.
109. Santos
Santos is a name of Latin origin and means “saint.”
110. Sebastian
The modern yet vintage name Sebastian is derived from the Latin word “Sebastianos.” It is a habitational name referring to someone from the Roman city, Sebastia. The name also means “venerable” in Greek. Since 2000, Sebastian has been among the top 100 names in the US (3). Actor Sebastian Stan is a popular celebrity with this name.
111. Sergio
It is a common name in Europe. Sergio has Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish origins and means “guardian.”
112. Solomon
The biblical origin name means “peace.” Solomon is a traditional name that lasts forever. This may be an ancient name but in the US, it still holds a high position (3).
113. Stefano
Stefano is a royal name of Greek origin and means “crown.”
114. Tate
Tate is a cute name of Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning “pleasant and bright.” Tate gained popularity as a first name in the US in 1971 and has remained popular since (3).
115. Teodoro
Teodoro is an uncanny version of the most common name Theodore. It is of Greek origin and means “God’s gift.”
116. Tiago
Isn’t Tiago an adorable name? It means “supplanter” and is of Latin origin.
117. Vicente
The name Vicente is equivalent to the name Vincent, which means “conquering.” This name is of Spanish and Portuguese origin and is derived from the Latin word Vincentius.
118. Victor
Victor is one such name that never tumbles down the trending chart. It is a name of Latin origin and is a motivational name, meaning “warrior.” Victor is one of the most popular names in the US (3).
119. Wilfredo
The name was quite popular between the ’50s and ’80s but has been out of trend for a while. Nevertheless, you could still make it popular as this unique name means “desiring peace.”
120. Zacarias
The name may be unusual, but it is quite fashionable. Zacarias is a name of Hebrew origin and means “God has remembered.”
Illustration: Most Popular Colombian Boy Names With Meanings
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the cultural or historical significance associated with Colombian boy names?
Colombian boy names carry depth with their cultural and historical significance, which may be highlighted through individual names. For instance, Simón is often associated with Simón Bolívar, a renowned historical figure who freed Colombia from Spanish colonial rule (4). Also, Rafael may be linked to Rafael Pombo, a famous Colombian poet and writer known for contributing to the country’s culture and education through his work in children’s literature.
2. Do Colombian boy names have positive connotations or associations in Colombian society?
Yes, Colombian boy names often possess positive connotations. Names, such as Gabriel, meaning ‘God is my strength,’ reflect the country’s solid Catholic tradition influenced by their past Spanish rule and inspire a devoted life. Other names like Pablo, meaning ‘humble,’ denote virtue, which may manifest itself in the individual’s life.
3. What are the most unique Colombian boy names?
Emiliano, Santiago, and Mateo are some unique Colombian boy names that reflect the country’s heritage.
The spiritual country of Colombia derives its rich culture from Europe, America, and Africa, and hence the popular names have various origins. You may name your son Donatello, a gift from God or Gilberto, meaning a bright promise. There are also many Colombian boy names that depict a warrior. You may go for Oliver, Maximo, or Desmond. A child’s name is an important part of his identity, and the ones mentioned here are sure to make him special.
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Infographic: Popular Colombian Boy Names
Colombian names have a vintage yet trendy feel to them. They are diverse as they are inspired by various traditional references, countries, and languages. Scroll through the infographic below for some catchy Colombian names, and pick one for your charming little man. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Humberto Ossa et al.; (2016); Outlining the Ancestry Landscape of Colombian Admixed Populations.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0164414 - Statistics by country by Catholics Population.
http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/sc1.html - Popularity of name
https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/ - Jul 24, 1783 CE: Simon Bolivar Day.
https://teachdemocracy.org/images/pdf/simonboliver.pdf - Cyrus the Great.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Cyrus_the_Great/ - Dante Alighieri.
https://poets.org/poet/dante-alighieri - Ezra Pound.
https://poets.org/poet/ezra-pound
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